Two-Handed Sword (Bidenhänder)

A large, two-handed sword used by some medieval sea raiders; a sword traditionally attributed to the famous Baltic pirate Klaus Störtebeker of the Victual Brothers is preserved in Hamburg’s Museum of Hamburg History. Such swords required significant strength to wield but delivered devastating blows in close combat. They represent the weaponry of Europe’s medieval, pre-firearms era of piracy.

Quick Facts

Weapon TypeBladed
Era Used14th-15th century
Range / UseMelee
Notable UsersKlaus Störtebeker (Victual Brothers, Baltic Sea pirates)

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